Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (PLRX) Stock Analysis
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (PLRX) trades at $1.14 with AI Score 26/100 (Grade F). Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel therapies for fibrosis and related diseases. Market cap: $70.3M, Sector: Healthcare.
Price as of Aug 20, 2026 · Last analyzed: May 7, 2026PLRX stock analysis for 2026: Analysts have set a consensus price target of $3.00 for Pliant Therapeutics, Inc., suggesting 164.3% upside from the current price of $1.14. The AI MoonshotScore is 26/100, indicating a bearish outlook. Key factors: analyst coverage, AI-driven quantitative scoring.
PLRX: 1/3 scored disciplines lean bearish. Dominant signal: Valuation weak.
How is this calculated? →Why this analysis is different
- A sector-relative MoonshotScore — five pillars (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum) re-ranked nightly against the full universe of US-listed common stocks.
- An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
- Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (PLRX) Healthcare & Pipeline Overview
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery and development of treatments for fibrotic diseases. Their focus on integrin-targeted therapies, particularly with PLN-74809, positions them within a competitive landscape of companies addressing unmet needs in fibrosis management.
What Is the Investment Thesis for PLRX?
Pliant Therapeutics presents a focused investment opportunity within the biotechnology sector, specifically targeting fibrotic diseases. The core value driver is the clinical progress of PLN-74809, currently in Phase 2a trials for IPF and PSC. Positive trial results could significantly increase the company's valuation. The company's approach of targeting integrins offers a differentiated mechanism of action compared to existing treatments. Growth catalysts include the advancement of PLN-1474 for NASH and the progression of preclinical programs. Potential risks include clinical trial failures, regulatory hurdles, and competition from other companies developing fibrosis treatments. With a market cap of $70.3M and a beta of 1.25, Pliant represents a high-risk, high-reward investment profile.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
PLRX Key Highlights
PLN-74809, Pliant's lead product candidate, is in three Phase 2a trials, targeting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
- PLN-1474, a selective inhibitor of αvβ1 integrin, has completed Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of liver fibrosis associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
- Pliant is developing two additional preclinical integrin-based programs, including an oncology program and a program for muscular dystrophies.
- The company's approach centers on targeting integrins, a class of cell surface receptors that play a crucial role in the fibrotic process.
- Pliant Therapeutics was incorporated in 2015, indicating a relatively young company with significant growth potential.
Who Are PLRX's Competitors?
PLRX is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GILD Gilead Sciences, Inc. | $143.44 | -2.82% | $178B | 62 |
| BMY Bristol-Myers Squibb Company | $65.47 | -3.17% | $134B | 90 |
| NVS Novartis AG | $160.31 | +3.73% | $305B | 57 |
| RLYB Rallybio Corporation | $16.60 | -2.35% | $88.1M | 81 |
| ICCC ImmuCell Corporation | $10.09 | -0.39% | $91.3M | 77 |
| JNCE Jounce Therapeutics, Inc. | $1.88 | +0.00% | $99.0M | 71 |
| ORMP Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. | $4.79 | +0.00% | $196M | 77 |
| CGEN Compugen Ltd. | $2.65 | +8.61% | $251M | 76 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are PLRX's Key Strengths?
Novel integrin-targeted therapies.
- Clinical-stage pipeline with multiple programs.
- Experienced management team.
- Strong intellectual property position.
What Are PLRX's Weaknesses?
Limited financial resources as a clinical-stage company.
- Reliance on clinical trial success.
- Competition from larger pharmaceutical companies.
- Limited commercialization experience.
What Could Drive PLRX Stock Higher?
Data readout from Phase 2a trials of PLN-74809 in IPF expected in Q4 2026.
- Initiation of Phase 2 trials for PLN-1474 in NASH anticipated in early 2027.
- Continued enrollment and progress in ongoing clinical trials.
- Advancement of preclinical programs for oncology and muscular dystrophies.
What Are the Key Risks for PLRX?
Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of -6.28 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
- Negative return on equity (-59.1%) — the business is not currently generating profit on shareholder capital.
- Weak fundamentals — a Piotroski F-Score of 2/9 flags soft profitability, leverage or efficiency.
- Clinical trial failures for PLN-74809 or PLN-1474.
- Regulatory delays or rejection of Pliant's drug candidates.
- Competition from other companies developing fibrosis treatments.
- Dependence on securing additional funding to support clinical development.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for PLRX?
- Advancement of PLN-74809 in IPF: The idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) market is estimated to reach $5.5 billion by 2028. Positive Phase 2a trial results for PLN-74809 could position Pliant as a key player in this market. The ongoing trials are expected to provide data updates throughout 2026, offering near-term catalysts for growth. Successful commercialization would require strategic partnerships and effective marketing strategies.
- Development of PLN-1474 for NASH: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a rapidly growing market, projected to reach $20 billion by 2030. PLN-1474, having completed Phase 1 trials, represents a significant opportunity for Pliant. Further clinical development and potential partnerships with larger pharmaceutical companies are crucial for capturing market share. The timeline for Phase 2 trials is expected to commence in late 2026.
- Expansion into Oncology: Pliant's preclinical oncology program targeting integrins offers a potential avenue for diversification. The oncology market is vast and competitive, but a novel integrin-based therapy could address unmet needs in specific cancer types. Preclinical data is anticipated in early 2027, which will inform the path to clinical trials. Strategic collaborations will be essential for navigating the complexities of oncology drug development.
- Program for Muscular Dystrophies: The development of an allosteric agonistic monoclonal antibody for muscular dystrophies, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, represents a long-term growth opportunity. This program is in the preclinical stage, with initial data expected in 2027. The market for Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatments is expanding, driven by advances in genetic therapies and increasing awareness of the disease.
- Strategic Partnerships and Licensing Agreements: Pliant can leverage strategic partnerships and licensing agreements to expand the reach of its therapies and accelerate development timelines. Collaborations with larger pharmaceutical companies can provide access to resources, expertise, and established distribution networks. These partnerships can also generate upfront payments and milestone payments, providing additional funding for research and development. Ongoing discussions with potential partners are expected to materialize in 2026-2027.
What Are PLRX's Competitive Advantages?
- Proprietary integrin-targeted therapies with a differentiated mechanism of action.
- Strong intellectual property portfolio protecting its drug candidates.
- Clinical trial data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of its therapies.
- Experienced management team with expertise in drug discovery and development.
What Does PLRX Do?
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in South San Francisco, California, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of fibrosis and related diseases. Fibrosis, characterized by the excessive accumulation of scar tissue, affects various organs and can lead to organ failure. Pliant's approach centers on targeting integrins, a class of cell surface receptors that play a crucial role in the fibrotic process. The company's lead product candidate, PLN-74809, is an oral small-molecule dual selective inhibitor of αvβ6 and αvβ1 integrins. PLN-74809 is currently undergoing three Phase 2a trials, evaluating its potential in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). In addition to PLN-74809, Pliant is developing PLN-1474, a small-molecule selective inhibitor of αvβ1 integrin, which has completed a Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of liver fibrosis associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The company also has two preclinical integrin-based programs, including an oncology program and a program focused on an allosteric agonistic monoclonal antibody against an undisclosed integrin receptor for the treatment of muscular dystrophies, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Pliant's strategy involves advancing its pipeline through clinical development and exploring potential partnerships to expand the reach of its therapies.
What Products and Services Does PLRX Offer?
- Discovers novel therapies for the treatment of fibrosis and related diseases.
- Develops oral small-molecule inhibitors targeting integrins.
- Conducts clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates.
- Focuses on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
- Develops preclinical programs for oncology and muscular dystrophies.
- Seeks to commercialize its therapies in the United States and potentially globally.
How Does PLRX Make Money?
- Develops and patents novel therapeutic compounds.
- Conducts preclinical and clinical research to demonstrate safety and efficacy.
- Out-licenses or partners with larger pharmaceutical companies for commercialization.
- Generates revenue through milestone payments, royalties, and potential direct sales.
What Industry Does PLRX Operate In?
Pliant Therapeutics operates within the biotechnology industry, specifically targeting the fibrosis market. The fibrosis market is driven by the increasing prevalence of diseases such as IPF, NASH, and PSC. These conditions represent significant unmet medical needs, driving demand for novel therapies. The competitive landscape includes companies developing treatments for specific fibrotic diseases. Pliant's focus on integrin-targeted therapies differentiates it from competitors using other mechanisms of action. The biotechnology industry is characterized by high risk and high reward, with regulatory approvals and clinical trial outcomes significantly impacting company valuations.
Who Are PLRX's Key Customers?
- Patients suffering from fibrotic diseases such as IPF, NASH, and PSC.
- Physicians who treat patients with fibrotic diseases.
- Pharmaceutical companies seeking to expand their portfolios of fibrosis treatments.
- Healthcare providers and payers who reimburse for fibrosis treatments.
Company Profile
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. operates in the Biotechnology industry within the Healthcare sector. It is headquartered in South San Francisco, US. The company is led by CEO Bernard Coulie. PLRX has traded publicly since 2020.
Financial Health
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 2/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — flagging fundamental weakness worth scrutiny. Its Altman Z-Score of -6.28 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. stands at -59.1%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is -55.9%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. A current ratio of 16.89 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is -163.6%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
PLRX Valuation & Market Position
With a $70.3M market cap, Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. sits in the micro-cap segment of the market. Relative to its peer group, PLRX's quantitative score of 26/100 is below the peer average of 73/100.
Earnings Track Record
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. has beaten Wall Street's EPS estimate in 5 of its last 8 reported quarters — more hits than misses. Reported results have landed about 3.8% above estimates on average.
Forward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. revenue of about $2.5M for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $-1.39. The estimate reflects 5 contributing analysts.
PLRX Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Pliant's recent insider buying suggests strong confidence from those closest to the company, signaling potential undervaluation.
- The community sentiment around PLRX seems optimistic, with many highlighting its promising pipeline developments.
- Positive market perception of Pliant's lead drug candidate is growing, potentially driving investor interest.
- Recent developments in the fibrosis treatment landscape are favorable for Pliant, positioning them as a key player.
Bear Case
- Some community members express concerns about the competitive landscape and potential challenges in securing market share.
- Despite positive sentiment, there's lingering uncertainty around the timeline for Pliant's drug approvals.
- Recent market volatility has made investors more risk-averse, potentially impacting growth stocks like PLRX.
- There are some concerns voiced about potential dilution due to future funding needs for clinical trials.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
PLRX Latest News
No recent news available for PLRX.
PLRX Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for PLRX.
Price Targets
Consensus target: $3.00
PLRX MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates PLRX 0-100 on quantitative fundamentals — growth, financial health, valuation, momentum, and risk.
Leadership: Bernard Coulie
CEO
Bernard Coulie serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Pliant Therapeutics. His career spans several decades in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Before joining Pliant, he held leadership positions at Actelion Pharmaceuticals, where he played a key role in the development and commercialization of several successful drugs. He has a strong background in drug development, clinical research, and business strategy. His educational background includes a medical degree and advanced training in clinical pharmacology.
Track Record: Under Bernard Coulie's leadership, Pliant Therapeutics has advanced its pipeline of integrin-targeted therapies through clinical development. Key achievements include the initiation and progression of Phase 2a trials for PLN-74809 in IPF and PSC, as well as the completion of Phase 1 trials for PLN-1474 in NASH. He has also overseen the expansion of Pliant's preclinical programs and the strengthening of its intellectual property portfolio.
PLRX Healthcare Stock FAQ
What does the AI Score mean for PLRX?
PLRX holds an AI Score of 26/100 (Grade: F). This is an educational research signal, not a buy or sell recommendation. Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel therapies for fibrosis and related diseases. Their lead product candidate …
What does Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. do?
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel therapies for the treatment of fibrosis and related diseases. Their primary focus is on targeting integrins, which are cell surface receptors that play a critical role in the fibrotic process.
What do analysts say about PLRX stock?
Analyst coverage of Pliant Therapeutics (PLRX) typically focuses on the clinical progress of its pipeline, particularly PLN-74809. Key valuation metrics include potential peak sales for its lead drug candidates and the probability of success in clinical trials. Growth considerations revolve around the expansion of its pipeline and potential partnerships.
What are the main risks for PLRX?
The primary risks for Pliant Therapeutics (PLRX) are inherent in the biotechnology industry and include clinical trial failures, regulatory hurdles, and competition. Specifically, the success of PLRX hinges on positive outcomes from its Phase 2a trials for PLN-74809. Negative results could significantly impact the stock price. Additionally, the company faces competition from larger pharmaceutical companies with more resources.
How does Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. navigate regulatory approval processes?
Pliant Therapeutics navigates regulatory approval processes primarily through adherence to FDA guidelines and close collaboration with regulatory agencies. The company's strategy involves conducting well-designed clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates. They also maintain open communication with the FDA to address any concerns and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
What are Pliant Therapeutics, Inc.'s strategies for commercializing its products?
Pliant Therapeutics, as a clinical-stage company, has not yet commercialized any products. Their commercialization strategy is likely to involve a combination of out-licensing and potential direct sales, depending on the specific product and market. Out-licensing to larger pharmaceutical companies with established sales and marketing infrastructure could be a viable option for certain therapies.
What are the key factors to evaluate for PLRX?
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (PLRX) holds an AI score of 26/100 (low). Analysts target $3.00 (+164%). Pliant Therapeutics presents a focused investment opportunity within the biotechnology sector, specifically targeting fibrotic diseases. Not financial advice.
How frequently does PLRX data refresh on this page?
PLRX's price was last updated on Aug 20, 2026 and refreshes on page view during U.S. market hours — it is not a real-time exchange feed. Fundamentals update after quarterly filings; the MoonshotScore recalculates nightly; news aggregates continuously.
What has driven PLRX's recent stock price performance?
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (PLRX) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Novel integrin-targeted therapies. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
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